Drag Queen Pura Luka Vega Faces 12 Years In Prison For Performance
A drag queen from the Philippines is facing the possibility of a 12-year prison sentence following a controversial performance in which they portrayed Jesus Christ reciting the Lord's Prayer, leading to widespread outrage in the country.
The performer, Pura Luka Vega, is best known for competing on the reality competition show Drag Den Philippines, which is hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race superstar Manila Luzon. Vega, legally named Amadeus Fernando Pagente, found themselves in police custody on Wednesday, October 4th. Vega, a 33-year-old advocate for free speech who uses drag as a platform for their message, has been charged under Article 201 of the country's criminal code. This article criminalizes "indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows" that are deemed to "offend any race or religion."
If convicted, Vega could face substantial fines and up to 12 years behind bars, according to a report by the BBC. Vega's provocative political performances have previously earned them the label of an "unwelcome person" in multiple cities across the Philippines.
The controversy erupted when a video of Vega dressed as Jesus Christ performing a rock version of the Lord's Prayer, known as "Ama Namin," was posted online. Although the video has since been deleted, it sparked outrage, leading to complaints filed by a religious group with the Manila Prosecutor's Office back in July.
The Philippines is predominantly Christian, with over 86% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, as reported by the Asia Society, a non-profit organization.
Vega's performance drew complaints first from the Protestant church leaders' group, For Jesus Movement, in July, followed by a second complaint in August from the Catholic group, Nazarene Brotherhood.
Vega responded to their arrest, stating, "I understand that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive, or regrettable. However, they shouldn't tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag." Vega also highlighted the prevalence of homophobia in the Philippines, emphasizing that their arrest illustrates this issue.
Supporters of Vega have taken to social media, using the hashtag #freepuralukavega to demand their release, with many asserting that "drag is not a crime." Human Rights Watch has also called for Vega's release, arguing that the charges violate their right to free expression.
"Vega's performance may offend some, but it is protected expression under international human rights law," stated the international NGO. They urged Vega's release and the dropping of charges, emphasizing that freedom of expression includes artistic expression that may challenge religious beliefs.
In a bid to garner support and raise awareness, a fundraiser titled "Drag is Not a Crime" was shared on Vega's Instagram page on October 5th.
